What may be known as iced tea in the rest of the world has a unique place in the hearts of the people of Thailand.
The color orange adds freshness to it along with its rich, creamy texture and sweet flavor, making it difficult to pass up a glass of this delicious drink.
A beverage that exquisitely compliments the robust flavors and aromatic spices of Thai cuisine. Thailand’s iced tea may have different names all around the world, varying with each culture’s different recipe. But what is the actual name of Thai Iced Tea in Thailand, and how is it created?
As we explore the wonders of this cherished beverage to find out what is the local name for Thai Iced Tea, come along on a fascinating and educational journey with me!
Origin of Thai Iced Tea
Tea was the first cash crop coming in Thailand during the reign of King Rama V around the early 20th century. In 1980 A lot of tea was being imported from China, now known as Cha yen (Thai Iced Tea).
Chinese immigrants who migrated to Thailand are thought to have had a major influence on the development of Cha Thai.
It’s thought that these immigrants brought their customary methods of preparing tea, which included steeping black tea leaves and mixing them with condensed milk and sugar.
The leader who was keen to know about Western culture showed interest in trying it out. Initially, the government made the decision to encourage consumption to increase its local demand.
This move led to the creation of a special mix of tea called cha yen. There’s still a lack of facts as to who invented the recipe, but it became popular as a drink alongside meals.
What Does The Name Means?
Thai tea is referred to as “cha yen” in the local language. In Thai, the words “cha” and “yen” signify “tea” and “cold,” respectively. The phrase “cha yen” literally translates to “cold tea.” It refers to the well-known iced variety of Thai tea that is widely sipped in Thailand.
Beyond its literal translation, the term “Cha yen” has deeper significance for the Thai people. It’s more than just a metaphor for “cold tea. In Thai culture, “Cha yen” represents the spirit of renewal, peace, and harmony.
The word “cha” designates not only the beverage but also the traditions around tea drinking, which emphasize peace and awareness.
A sense of serenity and coolness in the middle of the tropical heat is represented by the word “yen,” which is more than just a synonym for coldness.
Significance of the Name “Cha Yen”
- Cultural Identity: Thai tea, a vital component of the nation’s culinary heritage, is firmly engrained in Thai society. It’s renowned for its distinctive flavor, vivid orange hue, and sweet flavor. By referring to Thai tea as “cha yen,” other forms of tea are distinguished from it as a unique drink with its own personality.
- Traditional Drink: The term “cha yen” refers to the traditional method of making and serving Thai tea, which often entails brewing strong black tea leaves with various spices, including star anise, tamarind, and cardamom. Condensed milk is then added to the freshly brewed tea, which is then put over ice.
- Popular Street Drink: Popular across the world, Thai tea, also known as “cha yen,” is a favorite beverage in Thailand. It’s frequently offered by street vendors as a cool street beverage and in Thai restaurants all over the world. This famous Thai beverage has the moniker “cha yen” attached to it, signifying its popularity and wide awareness.
- Promotion of Tourism and Culture: Thai tea, known as “cha yen,” has come to represent Thai cuisine and culture, drawing tourists and promoting Thai customs around the world. As part of their culinary discovery, tourists to Thailand frequently look for the real deal “cha yen” taste, which promotes cultural interchange and appreciation for Thai food and drinks.
How Is Cha Yen Made In Thailand
To prepare cha yen, black tea leaves, such as those from Ceylon or Assam, are often used, which are brewed to perfection to produce a robust and fragrant foundation.
After being brewed, the tea is combined with sweetened condensed milk to give it a creamy consistency and delicious sweetness. Condensed milk is a tasty addition that also helps to counteract the mild harshness of brewed tea.
What Makes Cha Yen Different?
Thailand is famous for either its milk boba tea or Thai Iced Tea. How are they different? While both can be made with black tea.
For milk tea, milk can refer to a variety of liquids, including evaporated milk, whole milk, and non-dairy milk.
Thai tea, on the other hand, is a specific variety of milk tea that is made with a specific mixture of black tea, spices, sugar, and evaporated and/or condensed milk.
The most distinct feature of Thai iced tea is the color orange which comes from reusing the tea leaves and later adding spices to give it the traditional flavor.
The World’s Craze
Due to Cha Yen’s international acclaim, Thai restaurants and specialty tea shops now serve it everywhere.
It has captivated the taste buds of people from other cultures with its distinctive flavor, brilliant color, and cultural significance, making it a sought-after beverage that embodies Thailand’s extensive culinary legacy.
| Region | Name for Thai Iced Tea |
| Thailand | Thai Iced Tea/ Cha Yen |
| United States | Thai Iced Tea |
| United Kingdom | Thai Milk Tea |
| Australia | Thai Cold Tea |
| Japan | Thai Iced tea |
| China | Thai Style Milk Tea |
| Malaysia | Special Milk Tea |
| Vietnam | Iced Milk Tea |
| South Korea | Thai Iced Tea |
Cha Yen As A Chiller
Thai tea gained popularity at the same time that Thai cuisine did. To differentiate it from the American iced latte, the cooks started using a darker orange food color.
Additionally, travelers, plus the local people in Thailand, enjoy sipping it while traveling. The carts that offer Thai iced tea have a distinctive manner of presenting it to onlookers.
They place a straw inside a plastic bag that has knots tied to one or both ends, then they modify the straw as needed. While it is used as a cooler on hot afternoons, tea is appreciated when served with food items.
Can Thai Tea Be A Healthy Daily Drink?
Thai tea protects the human body against chronic illnesses as it is rich in antioxidants. These anti-inflammatory compounds can also strengthen the heart.
Other spices used, such as turmeric and tamarind, are antioxidants that act as protection for the human body’s immune system. Black tea helps with weight loss as well.
If green tea is used in place of black tea, it can be a lot more beneficial. Compared to black tea, green tea is healthier. Higher concentrations of EGCG, a type of natural antioxidant, are found in green tea.
Heart disease is prevented, inflammation is reduced, and limit the amount of free radical damage to your body’s cells by a class of polyphenols known as EGCG.
However, the calorie intake of a single glass could go up to 300 calories because of the high milk and sugar quantities.
Conclusion
- Cha Yen is the name for Thai tea in the Thai language and symbolizes the spirit of renewal, peace, and harmony.
- Thai tea is referred to as “cha yen” in the local language. In Thai, you can say “cha” for tea and “yen” for cold.
- Cha yen is renowned for its distinctive flavor, vivid orange hue, and sweet flavor. It is brewed with strong black tea leaves with various spices and condensed milk and is popular across the world.
- It’s a staple of Thai street life and has come to represent the country’s cuisine and culture, attracting foreign visitors and spreading awareness of Thai traditions abroad.
- Helps with weight loss thanks to its high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory content, as well as its many spices. While green tea and its greater EGCG content make it the healthier choice, a single glass of Cha Yen can contain as many as 300 calories.